## Chapter 571: Brave Rex Charges Forward
Hayato acted together with the Doma Three Swordsmen, hunting the souls of Duelists. Several days later, the scene shifts to an airplane landing at the Airport.
The Private Jet that appeared at the Airport had a very strange appearance, completely unlike conventional aircraft that follow aerodynamics. Instead, it mimicked the angular exterior of the most famous Duel Monster, Blue-Eyes White Dragon. This "airplane" could fly solely thanks to its powerful power system, which was strong enough to lift a brick.
However, although its flying appearance was quite strange and eye-catching, the Staff at the Airport were already used to it. After all, the "KC" logo emblazoned in silver on the side of the aircraft's fuselage, as if declaring ownership of Blue-Eyes White Dragon, revealed that the owner of this aircraft was Kaiba Seto. And nothing Kaiba Seto did involving Blue-Eyes White Dragon was strange.
Moreover, no matter how embarrassing the design looked, Kaiba had already flown this aircraft between Domino City and America multiple times. Even if people were surprised at first, after so many times, the novelty had long worn off.
The diligent Staff guided the airplane to land and park at the Airport designated for small passenger jets. Whether by coincidence or not, Kaiba's Blue-Eyes White Dragon aircraft parked next to a passenger jet marked with the "Paradius Company" logo.
From the airplane, Kaiba and Keipei, the two brothers, were the first to disembark, followed by Yugi, Téa , Joey Wheeler , and Tristan , who were freeloading off the rich guy Kaiba as usual.
Although Yugi, a major shareholder with 30% of Industrial Illusions' stock, Téa , a somewhat wealthy girl from a family with some money, and Tristan , from an "ordinary family," could all afford airplane tickets, why pay when you could freeload?
Furthermore, for Yugi and the others, they didn't have the ample time to leisurely take fixed-route passenger jets, transferring from station to station, to get to America.
"To think there's an organization capable of taking three God Cards in a single night, I still find it hard to believe." Keipei still seemed unable to accept reality, especially since the people guarding the three God Cards weren't some common third-rate duelists, but Kaiba Seto, Mutou Yuugi, and Ishizu Ishtar.
For Keipei, Yugi and Ishizu were one thing, but even his Brother Kaiba Seto failed to protect the Obelisk the Tormentor Card. This was what Keipei found most difficult to accept.
As he spoke, Keipei showed a proud smile, changing the subject. "But, fortunately, I had superior skill. I left a little gadget on the Obelisk the Tormentor Card without Brother even knowing."
"Doing things behind my back, what's there to be proud of, Keipei!" Kaiba gave a cold snort, looking like he was about to get angry, but said in a somewhat tsundere manner, "This accident allowed your little trick to be useful. Don't let it happen again."
Joey Wheeler , who had just gotten off the airplane, interjected, "But Kaiba, didn't you say on the way here that the tracker on Obelisk's signal disappeared halfway?"
Hearing this, Kaiba glanced at Joey Wheeler and said disdainfully, "A mediocre person is a mediocre person. I truly find it hard to understand why you would think a tracker losing connection after navigating a certain route would have any influence?"
"As long as I use the large data processor at KaibaCorp, which I personally designed, to perform a reverse simulation on the signal path the tracker emitted, it's quite easy to know the route that wasn't detected."
"Furthermore, if it weren't for those guys from the Organization Doma distracting us with the helicopter they used before, plus you guys holding things up and delaying my departing time, I would have already caught up to those damn scoundrels and punished them."
Hearing Kaiba say this, even Joey Wheeler , who always butted heads with him, said sheepishly, "Ahaha, well, that's how it's shown in TV shows, and who would have thought KaibaCorp's technology could actually do something like that?"
Kaiba's technology was necessary for tracking the guys who stole the God Cards, and being rich and powerful in America, Kaiba could also greatly assist their tracking. Although Joey Wheeler was somewhat annoyed by Kaiba's arrogant tone, he still endured it.
For no other reason, while the "God Cards" were key to The Other Yugi recovering his memories, more importantly, they were also a keepsake left by Hayato. Joey Wheeler felt he absolutely couldn't stand by and do nothing about this matter.
And to prevent Kaiba from further enraging Joey Wheeler , who was already swallowing his anger, Tristan decisively transferred Kaiba's attention, saying, "Speaking of which, at the Egyptian Artifact Traveling Exhibition Hall in Domino City, didn't Ishizu say she would arrive a bit later than us to help us? How will she catch up to us who left first?"
Answering Tristan was Keipei, who proudly held up a Kid's Watch on his arm. "Hehehe, this is where Master Keipei's invention comes in, Ta-da! The GPS Watch!"
"No matter the situation, the GPS Watch can continuously provide its coordinates to another GPS Watch at the other end, whether in the jungle, the deep sea, or even underground. I brought one here, and I left one for Sister Ishizu."
As Keipei spoke, he proudly pressed a button on the side of the watch face. "What's even more amazing is that this watch can also be used to tell time."
"No, the 'most amazing' thing should be the watch's basic function, right?" Téa ranted, but then praised Keipei, "Even though you're young, you're truly amazing, Keipei-chan!"
"Hehe, it's nothing, I just did some minor work." Even though he was wise beyond his years, Keipei was a kid after all. Hearing Téa's praise, he adjusted the black-rimmed glasses he'd put on at some point and gave a shy smile.
Mutou Yuugi's dueling style is trap-heavy, good at using chained, deceptive traps to confuse the enemy.
Dark Yugi's special ability is the Millennium Puzzle. His ability is to come out of the Millennium Puzzle and tag-in duel for Yugi Mutou.
Kaiba Seto's dueling style is Blue-Eyes White Dragon, crushing the enemy with the overwhelming power of Blue-Eyes White Dragon and various alternate forms.
Katsuya Jounouchi's dueling style is strong luck, using the slacking off Red-Eyes Black Dragon and the invincible coin and dice to make his unlucky opponent angry.
After learning that Ishizu and the others had a way to catch up to them, Yugi also felt relieved and said, "Alright, let's go quickly."
"Let's go take back the God Cards!"
Keipei looked at Joey Wheeler , Yugi, and Kaiba, the three of them unaccountably standing in a line and stepping forward, and ranted, "Why do I suddenly feel like you're not going to steal Brother Hayato's keepsake, but rather to beat up Brother Hayato? Is it just my imagination?"
--- Ojama Yellow: Haven't I appeared in a while, huh? ---
"Achoo!"
Just now, after ordering the Infernoid Beelzebul and Infernoid Lucifer on his Field to Direct Attack his Tag Duel opponents respectively, clearing their Life Points, Hayato suddenly sneezed.
Rubbing his nose, Hayato watched the green ring under his feet shrink.
"In the hands of the same person,"
"Failed twice in a row!"
"Truly utter disgrace, Brother!"
"So unwilling, Younger Brother!"
"What a terrible feeling!" X2
In the green light, the performance art duo who were flawless victory by Hayato despite it being two against one --- the Paradox Brothers, with the characters "Mei" and "Kyuu" respectively imprinted on their shiny foreheads, hugged each other with faces full of frustration, their souls stripped away by the Seal of Orichalcos.
"Ugh, it's crowded!" X2
Leaving behind such Strange Last Words, the souls of the Paradox Brothers were sealed into the card. The Seal of Orichalcos card Hayato took out of his Duel Disk now had the faces of the Paradox Brothers squeezed together face-to-face.
"Eh~ So if it's a Tag Duel, it seals two people's souls at once?" Seeing Hayato finish the Duel, Valon casually approached Hayato's side and looked quite curiously at the card in Hayato's hand. "This is the first time I've known about this."
"Valon, you only ever duel others in Single Duels anyway, right? Isn't it natural that you wouldn't know about this situation?"
"Alister, you're the same. Rather, you're the laziest one among the three of us; normally, you absolutely refuse to lift a finger." Valon refuted Alister's words. Although Valon personally prefers a peaceful life, he would still honestly complete Lord Dartz's orders, and sometimes if some guys who didn't know better provoked him, he would also decisively take action.
Among the souls collected by the Doma Three Swordsmen while they carried out their plan over the years, the number of souls Valon collected was far above Alister's; only Rafael was a bit higher than him.
Even Hayato, who only just joined Organization Doma recently and only occasionally took action like slacking off, had sealed a number of souls in just a few days that was almost exceeding Alister's. One can imagine just how much Alister had been slacking off in Organization Doma these past few years.
Even Rafael, who usually didn't care much about these things, had a somewhat unclear look in his eyes towards Alister after receiving another portion, or rather, two portions, of souls sealed by Hayato. Regarding Hayato's performance these past few days, none of the three of them could find any fault. Although Hayato only took action against a portion of duelists, either people he knew or those with a certain level of strength, being selective was a very normal habit.
Therefore, now even Rafael could be considered to have completely accepted Hayato's joining, not to mention the friendly Valon. However, Alister, being too petty, still always saw Hayato unfavorably up until now.
"Who's the next target, Rafael?" Although he took no damage the entire time during the Duel, the fatigue from setting up the Dark Game still existed. Hayato stretched his neck and shoulder, asking Rafael, who was responsible for guiding them.
"No rush, it's getting late now. We can go back and rest first and continue tomorrow. Lord Dartz is not in a hurry for one or two days." Rafael glanced at his wrist watch; the time displayed on it was already 3 AM.
Although the four of them could continue staying up late hunting duelists, this time was indeed too late. Most normal night owls had already gone to sleep. In another hour, Rafael and the others might even be able to watch certain basketball stars get up early to play ball with salarymen who had just gotten off work.
Actually, the four of them before meeting the Paradox Brothers already had a plan to go back. If it weren't for Hayato wanting to Duel them once on a whim to test his own capacity, Rafael and the others might have even let the two of them go, after all, they were also people, they got tired and wanted to sleep.
They were currently at a large Stadium where they met the Paradox Brothers. These two bald guys came running to this place in the middle of the night, and they didn't know what they were doing. Anyway, they shouldn't be here to be thieves, after all, even in the dead of night, their brothers' heads still shone brightly, making it hard not to notice them.
Furthermore, this Stadium had nothing special about it; it would merely serve as the final match venue for a Duel Monsters Tournament recently, so even if they came to steal things, there wasn't much worth stealing. However, Rafael and the others couldn't figure it out and didn't continue to investigate deeply, after all, those matters originally had nothing to do with them.
Hurry back and sleep, this was a rare unanimous idea among the few of them, especially Valon. Staying up late working overtime these past few days had completely disrupted Valon's usual peaceful life of going to bed on time at 11 o'clock, and Alister and Rafael also had no opposing ideas.
Besides, how could it be possible for another duelist to appear?
Dragging their fatigued bodies, the group of four walked towards the Secret Base Organization Doma had prepared in this city.
Unbeknownst to them, because they completely didn't have the idea to go check the Stadium exit the Paradox Brothers walked out of, Rex, who was squatting at the Corner of the exit, wasn't discovered and witnessed the entire process of the Paradox Brothers being defeated by Hayato and losing their souls.
Because of a loss due to a mistake in a Duel against Kujaku Mai in a Duel Monsters Tournament not long ago, Rex happily got runner-up. But not having the title of Champion was a regret after all, so Rex ran to another league here to play matches, which was an event that would be hosted in this Stadium not long after.
As Duel Monsters became increasingly popular, various Duel Monsters events also became more and more popular, no longer limited to one-on-one. A considerable portion of events had already started to introduce Tag Duels, and the Paradox Brothers also finally waited for their chance to shine, gradually showcasing their strength on the Professional Circuit and gaining a certain amount of fame.
And because Rex only participated in Single Duels and the Paradox Brothers only participated in Tag Duels, the two groups of people, who had no conflict of interest and mutually recognized each other's strength, unexpectedly became friends who could talk easily. This time, appearing at the Stadium in the middle of the night was also because the Paradox Brothers invited Rex to visit the match venue, to get a feel for the camera presence in advance so that he could showcase himself better in the subsequent matches.
But what Rex didn't expect was that waiting specifically until the middle of the night when even the security guards weren't there to visit, this decision by the two Paradox Brothers actually led to their own death. And even more unbelievable was that the one who killed them was reportedly the Duel King, Hayato Kobayashi, who had long since disappeared and was almost certainly confirmed as already dead?
End of Chapter
Chapter 572: A Man's Fight! (Part 1)
Rex curled up, feeling his hands and feet turn cold. A fear of death occupied all the space in his heart, making him unable to think about anything.
It wasn't until Hayato and the others left that he barely regained his ability to think. He was annoyed at himself for being paralyzed by fear, for just letting the Paradox Brothers be killed while he merely watched from the side.
No, this isn't the time for regret. Maybe "being killed" was just his own illusion. After the Paradox Brothers were defeated by Hayato just now, what flew out from them might have just been images from the Virtual Projection System.
Comforting himself in this way, Rex emerged from his hiding place and hurried forward to check on the fallen Paradox Brothers.
Don't let Rex's age fool you; he actually knows quite a bit of basic physiology, at least enough to know blood is red. But when he bent down and used his knowledge to check the Paradox Brothers' condition, he found their state was truly unusual.
Their heartbeat and pulse were normal, their pupils showed no obvious change, their breathing and body temperature were normal, and they could even perform a knee-jerk reflex. All of this proved that the Paradox Brothers were still alive. However, no matter how Rex called out or shook them, he couldn't get a response. Yet, their current state didn't seem like they had simply fallen unconscious.
The Paradox Brothers' state... it was as if their souls had been Sealed?
Rex himself was slightly surprised by the conclusion he reached.
Although it was somewhat unbelievable, Rex was someone who had experienced many supernatural events. Having one's soul Sealed due to losing a duel sounded quite reasonable in this context.
First, he called an ambulance for the fallen Paradox Brothers. Thanks to their income as Professional Duelists, there was no need to worry about the high cost of medical care. Rex hung up the phone and cast his gaze towards the direction Hayato and the three other unfamiliar guys had just left.
Gritting his teeth, Rex resolutely followed them.
If he hadn't been mistaken just now, it seemed like Hayato had a card in his hand with the avatars of the Paradox Brothers printed on it. There was no way that was just a coincidence.
Although he wasn't completely certain, getting that card might be able to awaken the Paradox Brothers!
Holding onto this idea, and fearing that if he delayed any longer he might not find Hayato and the others, Rex quickly started running, chasing after the direction the four of them had left in. But as he ran towards that spot, Rex heard the heavy sound of hard-soled boots stepping on the ground.
"I've had the feeling of being watched since just now. Although Alister said I was being suspicious, I can't maintain infant-like sleep if I don't have peace of mind, so I specifically came back to take a look."
Valon, with his hands in his pockets, stood before Rex. "Well, look at that, my intuition was pretty accurate."
"You! You're one of the guys who was with Hayato just now!" Rex's eyes widened. He nervously looked at the man in the strange armor before him, recalling the conversation they had just had. Alister seemed to have mentioned the other person's name. "You're called Valon, aren't you!"
"Oh? Looks like you're not just passing by. You heard some things you shouldn't have, kid."
"Since you know my name, I have reason to suspect you saw more things, like the duel just now!"
Valon's gaze instantly sharpened, and he took a sudden step forward towards Rex!
"Bang!"
Accompanied by a gunshot, a bullet hole appeared on the ground near Valon's feet. Rex was seen holding a handgun in his left hand, breathing heavily and nervously saying, "Don't move! If you dare move, I'll shoot and attack you!"
As an Asian, Rex naturally knew about the deep-seated "discrimination" hidden beneath the surface — and sometimes not hidden at all — in the "capitalist and democratic" country of America. Discrimination based on capital, skin color, and so on. For these reasons, Rex had naturally learned that when going out alone, he must protect himself, especially since he was a boy.
Even the Paradox Brothers, although they appeared to be kung fu masters skilled in hand-to-hand combat, they also understood the principle that "outside seven steps, the gun is fast; within seven steps, the gun is both accurate and fast." They also carried guns on them, ready to perform a set of American traditional martial arts — American Iaido — at any moment.
As for how Rex, an underage foreigner, got a handgun? As a professional duelist, he had some capital behind him.
However, being equipped with a gun is one thing, carrying a gun for self-preservation is another, and actually firing a gun is yet another.
"You, you feel terrifyingly strange to me, don't come any closer!" Holding the gun with both hands defensively, Rex looked at Valon and said, "You have a feeling of being unaccountably dirty about you. Don't move! Stand right there and don't move!"
The shot just now was a warning shot Rex fired in his haste towards Valon. Because he knew that shot wouldn't hit anyone, Rex didn't have much of a psychological burden about pulling the trigger. But after that shot, aiming the gun at Valon, Rex truly lacked the courage to shoot and murder him as long as the other party didn't make any sudden moves. He could only warn Valon like this.
"My name is Valon, I'm 24 years old, and I'm a member of the 'Doma Three Swordsmen' in Organization Doma. I'm unmarried."
"Reaping the souls of losers in duels is my work, but even so, I usually want to go home by 8 PM at the latest."
"I don't smoke, and I only drink occasionally. I go to bed before 11 PM and sleep for eight hours. Staying up late these past few days has made my mood absolutely terrible."
"Before sleep, I drink a cup of hot milk, then do twenty minutes of stretching exercises to relax my body before going to bed. I sleep soundly until morning, enjoying infant-like sleep, not carrying fatigue over to the next day."
"My doctor also says I'm normal."
Valon, who had unaccountably started talking to himself, left Rex completely bewildered. "You, what exactly are you talking about? Who asked you about that?"
"I'm explaining to you that I'm someone who likes to live a peaceful life with peace of mind, 'Dinosaur' Rex." Valon extended a finger and pointed at himself. "Perhaps because of past experience, I don't insist on having to surpass others, nor do I actively create trouble. All of that makes it difficult for me to maintain composure and keeps me up at night. This is my attitude towards life, and it's my unique happiness."
"However, even if I have to fight, I have the confidence that I won't lose."
As Valon spoke, under Rex's gaze, he actually took another step forward, crossing over the bullet hole!
Subconsciously, Rex pulled the trigger. But what he didn't expect was that in the next instant, a card appeared in Valon's hand, and a ring on his finger emitted a green light. Large areas of armor actually appeared on Valon's body, blocking the bullet!
"Clang!"
The impact force of the bullet caused Valon's movement to pause slightly, but only slightly. He stepped forward again. "Because you use a deck centered around Dinosaur-Type monsters and are known as 'Dinosaur' Rex, you have a certain reputation in the circle of professional duelists. If you were to spread the existence of 'Doma' to others, I would no longer be able to have peace of mind."
"In other words, Rex, you are a trouble that hinders my sleep, you are my enemy!"
"Th-This is---!"
Rex was stunned by the armor that appeared on Valon before his eyes, nearly forgetting to breathe.
The situation before him... wasn't it the materialization of Duel Monsters? This strange guy actually had this kind of supernatural ability!
Because of his experience during the previous KC Cup, Rex's gaze became serious. He decisively put down the handgun in his hand, which had lost its use, and unfolded the Duel Disk he was always wearing.
A certain The Great Mage once said that only magic can counter magic. Similarly, only Duel Monsters can counter Duel Monsters.
"Not escaping but trying to resist? That saves me a certain amount of trouble, Rex." Seeing this, Valon also raised his left hand. The Doma Limited Edition Duel Disk on his left wrist unfolded. "Let's have a Shadow Duel where we gamble our souls. Before you tell anyone else everything you've seen, I'll take care of you first."
"Duel!" X2
[Rex: 4000LP]
[Valon: 4000LP]
"I don't want to be taken down! Draw a card!" Rex nervously drew a card, seizing the opportunity for the first turn.
This was somewhat unexpected for Rex. Because his draw action just now was a bit clumsy due to nervousness, he thought he wouldn't get the first turn. But Valon's movement was actually slower than his.
No, it wasn't just slower than his. As the duel began, Rex gradually calmed down and got into the zone. He looked at Valon, who had drawn five cards into his Hand, and started thinking.
This guy, is he deliberately giving me the first turn to take the second turn?
Choosing the second turn, which allows for proactive attack, over the first turn, which allows for Field setup? Could this guy possibly want to finish me in a single turn?!
"Seriously, I'm being underestimated." Rex felt annoyed at being looked down upon. He lowered his head and glanced at his Hand, then drew one of the cards. "First, I need to gather the Field suitable for my Monsters! Activate Magic Card, Terraforming! From my Deck, I add the Field Spell Card Lost World to my Hand! Then I activate Lost World!"
As Rex activated the Field Spell Card, the ground trembled. The environment around him and Valon was substituted from a City to a vast Wilderness Wetland. In the distance, towering Mountain Ranges rose, and dinosaur-like figures could be seen darting through the nearby Forest. It was clearly a scene from a primitive World.
"Lost World is the World where ancient Dinosaurs lived. In this land, there is only space for these ancient creatures to exist. Future Monsters cannot adapt to the environment at all." Rex explained the effect of the Field Spell Card Lost World. "Other Monsters on the Field besides Dinosaur-Type monsters have their ATK and DEF decreased by 500 points under the influence of Lost World."
"Then, if there are no Monsters on my Field, I activate the Magic Card Unexpected Dai! From my Deck, I special summon one Level 4 or lower Normal Monster!"
"Special Summon Giant Rex in Attack Position!"
In Lost World, water surged from a lake not far from the two of them. A water column shot up and fell towards Rex's Front Row. A creature resembling a dinosaur, covered in metal armor with faintly glowing stripes, appeared on Rex's Field.
The water flow also washed a strange egg onto Valon's Field.
[Giant Rex] [Level 4 / Water]
[Dinosaur-Type / Normal]
[2000/0]
[Jurra Egg Token] [Level 1 / EARTH]
[Dinosaur-Type / Token]
[0/0]
"Once per Turn, when a Dinosaur-Type Monster is summoned or special summoned, I activate the Effect of Lost World! I special summon one Jurra Egg Token in Defense Position on the Opponent's Field," Rex explained, pointing at the egg that appeared on Valon's Field.
However, this egg wasn't just given to Valon for free.
"As long as a Token exists on the Opponent's Field, due to the Effect of Lost World, the Opponent cannot target Monsters on the Field other than Tokens with Card Effects."
"Next, I summon Gigant Spinosaurus in Attack Position! Then I set two cards in my Spell/Trap Zone! End Turn!"
Another giant beast appeared next to Giant Rex. Also a Level 4 Monster with 2000 ATK, Gigant Spinosaurus's aura was not inferior to Giant Rex's. The two giant beasts stood side-by-side, glaring menacingly at Valon, who only had one egg on his Field.
[Rex: 4000LP, Hand 1]
[Giant Rex] [ATK 2000]
[Gigant Spinosaurus] [ATK 2000]
[Set card] X2
Field: Lost World
As a field setup for the First Turn, Rex's performance was quite good. While Monsters with 2000 ATK aren't necessarily an absolute suppression, they aren't something just any Monster can deal with, let alone having two of them.
Furthermore, the existence of Lost World grant the two Dinosaurs Resistance against being targeted by Card Effects. Even if the Opponent has cards with destruction Effects, they cannot target Rex's Monsters.
"My Turn! Draw a card!" However, Valon didn't feel any pressure at all. Instead, he casually drew a card. "I activate the Magic Card, Armor Gravitation! The effect of this card is to special summon up to four Level 4 or lower Armor Monsters from my Deck!"
"Armor Gravitation? Armor Monsters? And special summoned from the Deck?!" Rex was dumbfounded upon hearing the name of the card Valon activated.
Leaving aside the Armor Monsters he had never heard of, was the effect of special summoning from the Deck that common? Although Unexpected Dai could also special summon Level 4 or lower Monsters from the Deck, it was limited to only Normal Monsters that couldn't activate Effects.
You start right off with four Armor Monsters! Even if all the Armor Monsters were Normal Monsters, there are four of them, four!
Which damn bastard printed these fake cards?!
Amidst Rex's non-stop rant in his inner thoughts, four "Monsters" appeared before Valon.
[Active Guard Armor] [Level 4 / EARTH]
[Machine Type / Effect]
[0/1500]
[Overboost Armor] [Level 4 / EARTH]
[Machine Type / Effect]
[0/1000]
[Trap Burst Armor] [Level 3 / EARTH]
[Machine Type / Effect]
[0/0]
[Big Bang Punch Armor] [Level 4 / EARTH]
[Machine Type / Effect]
[0/1000]
Then, under Rex's astonishment gaze, the four Monsters actually recoiled violently, crashing into Valon behind them, and transformed into genuine "armor" worn on various parts of his body!?
Chapter 573: A Man's Combat! (Part 2)
"The monster turned into armor!?" Rex exclaimed in surprise.
Valon raised his hands, covered by armguards, and lightly tapped the armor on his chest. He said proudly, "That's right, this is the characteristic of my [Armor] monsters. Unlike the battles where others summon monsters and then command them to attack, I prefer to take action myself."
"Whether you understand it as not trusting others and having to do it myself, or thinking I advocate violence, this is my, Valon's, dueling style."
As he spoke, Valon looked at the [Jurra Egg Token] on his Field and said with some regret, "It's a pity that one of my Monster Zones on the Field is occupied by that egg you used, which means I've only equipped myself with four [Armor] monsters right now, not my complete form."
Because of the [Jurra Egg Token], Rex unintentionally occupied the Field where Valon had originally planned to assemble the fifth [Armor] monster for the helmet position in one turn. This left Valon currently only equipped with [Armor] monsters on his torso, legs, and left and right hands.
However, for Valon, it was only slightly regrettable that he couldn't display his complete form. Even in his current incomplete state, he still had ample confidence that he could defeat Rex.
"Powerful cards often come with great risk. The Armor monsters special summoned by Armor Gravitation will be destroyed at the end phase of my turn." Valon said, raising the Big Bang Knuckle Armor equipped to his Right Hand. "Not only that, but because the Armor monsters are equipped to me, only one Armor monster can attack per turn."
"However, in return, when an Armor monster is chosen as an attack target, I can also freely choose the target, and the Armor monsters also have other linked effects."
Rex frowned, "Even if you say that..."
Big Bang Knuckle Armor [ATK 0]
Beyond the Speed Armor [ATK 0]
Active Guard Armor [ATK 0]
Trap Burst Armor [ATK 0]
"What the heck, these are all monsters with only 0 ATK, and they're all in Attack Position."
Rex suddenly felt that he had been completely overthinking things just now. No matter how he looked at this guy, he didn't seem like someone who knew how to duel. Not only did he summon a bunch of monsters with 0 ATK, but they were all in Attack Position. Forget about them being destroyed at the end phase of this turn, even if they weren't destroyed and stayed on the Field, they would just be a bunch of small fry.
This was even without considering the weakening effect of [Lost World] on non-Dinosaur-Type monsters, as monsters with 0 ATK already had no room for further decrease.
He had been so nervous just now. Thinking about it now, there was nothing to be afraid of.
Clearly, Rex didn't know what it truly meant when a monster's ATK and DEF were both 0 points.
"In that case, don't be surprised by my power."
Valon, whose face wasn't covered by a helmet, showed an excited smile and declared, "I enter my Battle Phase, and then I will attack your Giga Spinoconda on the Field!"
As he spoke, Valon actually started running, actively standing on his Field and charging towards the Giga Spinoconda on Rex's Field, raising the Big Bang Knuckle Armor equipped to his Right Arm high!
"What, he's actually using a monster with 0 ATK to attack my Giga Spinoconda on the Field which has 2000 ATK!?" Rex couldn't understand what kind of strategy Valon was basing such an attack instruction on; it was practically suicide.
Normally, Rex might have just watched Valon's "suicidal attack" proceed, but suddenly, he had a very bad premonition in his gut, as if he would be finished if he didn't do something!
Rex thought for a moment and decisively followed his inner thoughts: "Then, chain to your attack declaration, I activate the Trap Card from my Spell/Trap Zone—"
"Muda da! I told you, 'Dinosaur' Rex, the [Armor] monsters also have linked effects with each other!" Valon didn't take Rex's declaration of activating a set card seriously, especially since Rex himself stated the card type he was activating was a Trap Card.
"The special effect of the Trap Burst Armor equipped to my Left Hand allows all [Armor] monsters on my Field to be unaffected by the opponent's Trap Card effects! Whether it's [Sakuretsu Armor], [Absorption Shield], or other effect-type Trap Cards, none can stop this attack of mine!"
But what Valon didn't expect was that Rex, standing behind Giga Spinoconda and looking directly at Valon, smiled proudly, "I never said I was going to use a Trap Card on your [Armor] monster, Valon. The Trap Card I'm going to use is this one, Survival's End!"
"This card's effect is to destroy all Normal Monsters on the Field!"
"Destroy all Normal Monsters on the Field?" Valon's fist, which was about to swing down, stopped due to the Trap Card's activation. He looked strangely at Rex's Field and his own. "He's actually willingly destroying his own monster?"
The only Normal Monsters on the Field were Rex's Giga Gagagigo and the [Jurra Egg Token] that [Lost World] had placed on his Field earlier, weren't they?
As a giant beast standing on a mountain peak in the Survival's End card art radiated a light that pierced the darkness, an endless winter instantly enveloped every corner of both players' Fields. Rex's Giga Gagagigo and Valon's [Jurra Egg Token] were immediately frozen into two ice sculptures and then shattered with a crash.
"Then, according to the number of Normal Monsters destroyed by Survival's End, I can special summon Dinosaur-Type monsters with Level 4 or lower from my Deck. Two monsters were destroyed, so I special summon two Dinosaur-Type monsters from my Deck." Rex drew two cards from his Deck and slapped them onto his Duel Disk. "Come forth, future rulers full of possibility! My Tamashii!"
"Babycerasaurus!!!"
Amidst Rex's proud laughter and Valon's bewildered expression, the monsters special summoned from Rex's Deck by the effect of Survival's End were two adorable little Triceratops babies wearing broken eggshells as "clothing", their bodies light green!?
"Whimper~" X2
[Babycerasaurus] [level 2/EARTH]
[Dinosaur-Type/Effect]
[500/500]
"Those monsters are your Tamashii?!"
Hearing Valon's rant, Rex seemed quite displeased, "What's with that? What my Tamashii is is none of your business! What's wrong with me liking Babycerasaurus? They're so cute!"
"Also, according to the effect of [Lost World], I special summon another [Jurra Egg Token] onto your Field."
The empty space on the Field was occupied again. Looking at Rex, whose expression didn't seem fake, Valon clicked his tongue, "Tsk, I don't know if you're pretending to be stupid or if you just have good luck. Then, after the effect resolution of your Survival's End is complete, my attack continues."
"Although because the quantity of monsters on your Field has changed, I could trigger Battle Replay to re-select the attack target, I don't need to. I will continue to attack your Giga Spinoconda on the Field with Big Bang Knuckle Armor!"
"And in front of Big Bang Knuckle Armor, no matter what enemy it is, it will be crushed!"
"Hraah!!"
Shouting loudly, Valon swung his Right Hand, clenched into a fist, and it collided with the gaping maw of Giga Spinoconda as it pressed down from above!
0 ATK versus 2000 ATK, the result should have been undisputed, but where Valon's gauntlet struck Giga Spinoconda's sharp teeth, a golden radiance suddenly bloomed!
"Nani?!"
Rex looked at the rapidly expanding golden light. Besides being shocked, he was also somewhat relieved. He had followed his instinct just now and made some adjustments. As expected, the opponent's confident attack had some hidden means!
"The special effect of Big Bang Knuckle Armor activates!"
Following Valon's voice, the golden light that enveloped all three monsters on Rex's Field, the [Jurra Egg Token] behind Valon, and Valon himself suddenly shrank, followed by a thunderous explosion, with fire soaring into the sky!
"Boom!"
"Uwaah!!"
[Rex: 4000 → 1000 LP]
Rex was completely caught off guard by this sudden impact. He was directly knocked over by the shockwave that was almost face-to-face, falling onto the ground. His life points dropped by a full 3000 points in one go!
Rex's head was buzzing as if it had been hit by a large iron hammer. He felt that this 3000 points of damage was more intense than any damage he had taken before; it was completely abnormal damage.
But more than that, he was more concerned about what exactly the effect of Big Bang Knuckle Armor was, and what Valon's condition was, having faced the explosion at almost zero distance, if he himself had taken such heavy damage.
But when Rex endured the dizziness and nausea after being injured and looked up at Valon, he found that Valon had returned to his original position. Several openings had appeared on the Active Guard Armor he was wearing, sucking in the smoke like exhaust fans, and Valon looked completely unharmed. The only difference was that the Big Bang Knuckle Armor he had originally worn on his Right Arm had disappeared.
[Valon: 4000 LP]
"The special effect of Active Guard Armor is to absorb damage. It can make the damage dealt to my life points 0 during the turn it is destroyed." Valon casually flicked his empty Right Hand and proudly explained the situation to Rex, "And when Big Bang Knuckle Armor is battle destroyed, it can destroy all other monsters on the Field, and then both players share the damage equal to the total ATK value of the destroyed monsters."
Rex was also startled upon hearing this, "That is to say—!"
"Ah, that's why I said you're really lucky, 'Dinosaur' Rex." The [Armor] on Valon's body dispersed one by one, revealing his original appearance. "When I saw you summon two monsters with 2000 ATK in one go, I was thinking it would be easy and I could finish you in one turn."
"But because of that Survival's End card, the Giga Gagagigo with 2000 ATK was replaced by two Babycerasaurus with a total ATK of 1000 points. You saved your life, Rex."
Upon hearing this, Rex felt a wave of lingering fear. If he hadn't activated Survival's End just now, he would have taken a full 4000 points of damage in one go and had his life points instantly cleared.
Trap negation, damage negation, and when destroyed, it drags all monsters on the Field into mutual destruction. And these were just the effects of three of the monsters. The "legs" that hadn't activated their effect and the "helmet" that hadn't appeared must also have some excessive effects.
This [Armor] Deck is too terrifying, isn't it? What kind of Deck is this? Can a normal person even duel with it?
Although a pile of frustrated thoughts popped into his mind, Rex didn't feel despair. If you asked why—
"I see, but you're still far from defeating me, Valon."
As Rex spoke, he reached out and pointed to Valon's Field, "Haven't you noticed something since just now?"
"Your [Jurra Egg Token] wasn't destroyed at all!"
"Nani?!" Valon was stunned. He turned his head and looked in the direction Rex was pointing. Sure enough, the [Jurra Egg Token] from before was still existing on his Field?
"The fourth effect of [Lost World] is that when a Normal Monster on the Field is destroyed, I can destroy the same quantity of Dinosaur-Type monsters from my Deck instead of that quantity to protect it. The one that protected the [Jurra Egg Token] from being destroyed by your Big Bang Knuckle Armor was the third Babycerasaurus in my Deck!"
"...So, your Tamashii is just used as a shield?"
"Urusai!" Valon's rant made Rex blush slightly, "Babycerasaurus's sacrifice, I'll remember it in my heart, probably..."
This is quite normal. Calling a certain monster your Tamashii one moment and then tributing it the next. Not everyone can be as shameless as a certain Duel King.
"But in the situation where Babycerasaurus is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, its effect also activates. I can special summon a Dinosaur-Type monster with Level 4 or lower from my Deck, and this effect doesn't have a once per turn restriction."
Now, the surprised person was Valon, because he suddenly remembered that the two Babycerasaurus Rex had summoned earlier were also within the range of Big Bang Knuckle Armor's destruction: "Masaka!?"
"This is the struggle I make for victory!" Rex shouted loudly, retrieving three cards from his Deck in one go, "Evil dragon, feed on my Tamashii and absorb the light of the future!"
"Come forth, all three Soul-Eating Oviraptor from my Deck!"
The scattered eggshells left by the Babycerasaurus on Rex's Field were picked up by several scarlet claws. The soul forms of the Babycerasaurus were peeled from the eggshells and manifested, only to be greedily sucked in and swallowed by a gaping maw. Blue soul fire flickered above the heads of these evil energy-filled tyranno.
Soul-Eating Oviraptor [level 4/DARK]
[Dinosaur-Type/Effect]
[1800/500]
"They look like monsters that shouldn't be underestimated." Looking at the three dinosaurs manifested on Rex's Field, Valon showed a serious expression, but it didn't last long. He couldn't help but rant, "But this feeling of having my lines stolen 'again' is just too strange."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 574: A Man's Combat! (Part 3)
[Soul-Eating Oviraptor] [ATK 1800]
[Soul-Eating Oviraptor] [ATK 1800]
[Soul-Eating Oviraptor] [ATK 1800]
"When 'Soul-Eating Oviraptor' is Summoned or Special Summoned, I can Activate its effect! I can choose one Dinosaur-Type monster from my Deck and Add it to my hand or Send it to the Graveyard. I can Activate this effect up to three times!"
Rex's face showed a "sorrowful" expression because of the destruction of his 'Babycerasaurus', but the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl up slightly. He searched his Deck for three cards, Added two to his hand, and Sent the other one to the Graveyard.
Valon wasn't disappointed that his attack didn't finish off Rex in one go, but instead allowed him to Summon more Dinosaurs to the Field while replenishing his hand and building up his Graveyard. Instead, he couldn't help but show an excited expression. "Oh, I thought this would just be boring cleanup work. Now this Duel is suddenly getting interesting."
"I Set three cards from my hand in my Spell/Trap Zone, then End Turn."
[Valon: 4000 LP, Hand 2]
[Jurra Egg Token] [DEF 0]
[Set Card] X3
Rex's Field Setup during the Opponent's Turn was good, but Valon wasn't a reckless hothead. While launching sharp attacks, he didn't forget to set up his defenses in his Spell/Trap Zone. The presence of three Set Cards was hard to ignore.
However, some time ago, specifically around the time of Battle City, Valon, though skilled at launching powerful attacks just like now, had a rather peculiar habit of disliking defense.
According to him, "There's nothing in my life that needs protecting. All I need is to Attack."
If it were the Valon from that time Dueling Rex, after activating 'Armor Gravitation' and destroying all his 'Armor' Monsters on the Field, he would have made the incredibly brave move of not Summoning any monster for defense and not Setting any cards.
Rafael and Alister, also members of the Doma Three Swordsmen, felt that Valon's strange habit would eventually get him killed, but because Valon was a very strong Duelist, few people could withstand his first turn Attack or defeat him before his second Turn arrived. He maintained this habit until the Battle City tournament, which was broadcast live worldwide, concluded and Hayato Kobayashi became the Duel King.
Hayato becoming the Duel King shouldn't have had anything to do with Valon, but due to the yearning for strength, many Duelists began imitating the Deck lists Hayato publicized, attempting to understand his Dueling Style.
Oddly enough, overnight, the world suddenly gained many Duelists who liked playing cards like 'Catapult Turtle' and 'Spiritual Energy Entity'. And even Duelists with a certain level of Strength started referencing Hayato's Decks to some extent, stuffing strange red-bordered cards into their Decks, which were originally mostly Normal Monster Cards.
The result was that Valon nearly had a disastrous defeat during a Hunting Duelist Souls operation. He was directly defeated by a kid who started with five Set Cards in their Spell/Trap Zones, not even getting a chance to Activate 'Seal of Orichalcos'. His Special Summoned 'Armor' Monsters were easily wiped out in one go by a single 'Torrential Tribute'.
Then, on the second Turn, he lost a full 3000 Life Points from a single punch by an 'Elemental HERO Mudballman' whose ATK and DEF were flipped by 'Sword and Shield'. And that kid even Activated 'Ring of Destruction' to make the 'Elemental HERO Mudballman', which was no longer needed after attacking, self-destruct.
After the Duel, that kid didn't even know Valon had just tried to seal his soul, saying things like "That was a truly interesting Duel." The taunt was overwhelming, making Valon almost faint from anger at that trap-heavy Deck user.
That kind of Duel doesn't make anyone happy! Only that bastard found it interesting!
After that humiliating defeat, Valon reflected deeply and decisively chose to join them if he couldn't beat them. He also followed the Deck list Hayato publicized, stuffing many cards he would absolutely never have used into his originally highly pure 'Armor' Deck. Later, he further added and modified it based on his own understanding of Dueling.
The Valon Dueling Rex today is no longer the Valon from back then who only knew how to Attack.
"My Turn!" As a professional player, Rex also understood how terrifying the "trap-heavy Deck" style currently popular in the Duel Monsters World was. Naturally, he wouldn't be like a certain reckless hothead who was very good at rolling Dice and never looked at the Opponent's Set Cards in their Spell/Trap Zone. "Draw!"
The card he drew was the Spell Card 'Miracle Dig', which can only be Activated if there are five or more monsters banished. Currently, Rex hasn't met the condition to Activate it.
However, that's only a few steps away. Because of Valon's operation during his Turn, Rex now has two High-Level Dinosaurs in his hand that are eager to appear.
"I Tribute the two 'Soul-Eating Oviraptors' on my field to Tribute Summon 'Super Conductor Tyranno'!"
The two 'Soul-Eating Oviraptors', still clinging to broken eggshells, turned into radiance and dispersed, converging and evolving into a tall Tyranno. It was 'Super Conductor Tyranno', the second highest Level monster in Rex's Deck!
[Super Conductor Tyranno] [ATK 3300]
A powerful monster with ATK surpassing 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' stood tall on Rex's field. The Lost World beneath their feet once again gave birth to a 'Jurra Egg Token' due to the appearance of the new Dinosaur, landing on the grass pile in front of Valon.
But the starlight that rose after the two Dinosaur-Type monsters entered the Graveyard didn't dissipate with the appearance of 'Super Conductor Tyranno'. Instead, it rose higher and higher, arranging itself in a starlike trajectory in front of Rex.
Behind Rex, blue soul fire rose, but it wasn't the dark soul that gave off a chilling feeling like 'Soul-Eating Oviraptor'. It was the soul power of the Ultimate Tyranno that transcended the shackles of the body!
"I Banish two Dinosaur-Type monsters from my Graveyard! From my hand, I Special Summon this card!"
Rex held a card above his head and shouted, "Ancient Overlord, Nova of Destruction, reign over the world once more! Use that power that crushes all things to guide destiny to the correct trajectory!"
"Engrave my glory, remember my soul!"
"Witness the Ultimate Dinosaur, witness my Tamashii!"
"'Ultimate Conductor Tyranno'!"
The most ferocious, most evil, highest, and strongest existence among Dinosaurs opened its eyes!!
"ROAR!!!"
The purple gems on the giant beast lit up simultaneously with its roar in an instant. The blue flames behind Rex instantly evolved to a higher purple. The colossal beast stepped onto the ground, its movements causing the entire Lost World to tremble!
[Ultimate Conductor Tyranno] [ATK 3500]
"Oh, it appeared. Now *that's* a monster worthy of the name 'Ace Monster'."
Valon recognized 'Ultimate Conductor Tyranno'. After all, Rex's "debut battle" that made his name, his Duel against Joey Wheeler in the first match of the KC Cup, was arguably the most memorable.
"An Ultra High-Level monster that can Attack all monsters on the Opponent's Field once, and when attacking a Defense Position monster, it can inflict 1000 points of Effect Damage and Send it directly to the Graveyard..."
Valon glanced at the two Defense Position 'Jurra Egg Tokens' on his field. "This is actually getting a bit bad."
"Enter my Battle Phase! I Attack the 'Jurra Egg Token' on your field with 'Ultimate Conductor Tyranno'!"
Rex decisively ordered the attack. "When 'Ultimate Conductor Tyranno' attacks a Defense Position monster, its effect can be Activated at the start of the Damage Step! Inflict 1000 points of Effect Damage to the Opponent Duelist, and Send the 'Jurra Egg Token' directly to the Graveyard!"
The gems on the tall Dinosaur shrank their radiance, concentrating all the energy within 'Ultimate Conductor Tyranno'. A purple breath was about to erupt from its mouth!
"Nova—"
"Before that, I Chain to your 'Ultimate Conductor Tyranno''s Attack Declaration! I Activate my Set Card in the Spell/Trap Zone!"
Valon's voice interrupted the attack name Rex hadn't finished shouting. As Valon's Set Card flipped open, countless black shadows like pythons suddenly shot out from beneath the ground, climbing up the bodies of 'Ultimate Conductor Tyranno' and 'Super Conductor Tyranno' from their feet planted on the ground, wrapping around their necks in just an instant!
These two colossal Dinosaurs, like giant gods in this ancient era, naturally wouldn't just sit there and wait for death. But the black shadows on them were incredibly stubborn and couldn't be broken free from their struggle. Their movements were compressed little by little, eventually becoming completely immobile!
It was only then that Rex clearly saw that what was wrapped around his monsters was clearly a net woven from countless green lines!?
"Continuous Trap Card, 'Gravity Bind'. As long as this card is face-up on the Field, monsters with Level 4 or higher cannot Attack."
Looking in the direction of Valon's voice, Rex saw that the countless green nets were extending from the Set Card Valon had flipped in his Spell/Trap Zone.
Thinking about it, it made sense. In the previous Turn, Rex used 'Soul-Eating Oviraptor''s effect to search three Dinosaur-Type cards from his Deck in one go, and Rex had three monsters on his field that could be used as Tributes. It was easy to guess what kind of operation he would perform this Turn. It was too targeted for Valon to set such a trap.
"Well, although due to the effect of Lost World, I cannot Target monsters other than Tokens with effects, cards like 'Gravity Bind' which don't target are not subject to that restriction," Valon said with a light laugh. "Speaking of which, I only realized later how suitable this card is for the 'Armor' Deck I use."
"Higher-Level powerful monsters will be immobilized under this card's restriction, while Lower-Level monsters can hardly resist the power of the 'Armor' Deck. And my 'Armor' Deck, which is almost entirely Lower-Level monsters, is not restricted at all by this 'Gravity Bind'. My mood is so pleasant I want to sing a song."
"It really gets me hyped!"
"Using a card like that which only benefits yourself is too malicious! I have absolutely no way against such a card!"
Rex pointed at Valon, his expression angry at first, but as he spoke, he revealed a confident smile.
"—You thought I would say that?"
"Nani!?"
"Idiot! The power of Dinosaurs is the strongest in the world! Don't think that level of damage can easily influence my Invincible 'Ultimate Conductor Tyranno'!"
"From my hand, I Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card 'Mystical Space Typhoon'! This card can only be Activated if there are three or more cards in the Opponent's Spell & Trap Zone! Choose one card in the Opponent's Spell & Trap Zone and destroy it!" Rex's hand pointed firmly at the location of 'Gravity Bind'. "Crush it, 'Gravity Bind'!"
A giant whirlwind appeared on Rex's field as he played the card from his hand. Once 'Gravity Bind' is crushed by this card, the two Dinosaurs with Level 4 or higher on Rex's field will instantly break free and regain their attack capability. And because the Duel is still in the Chain of 'Ultimate Conductor Tyranno''s Attack Declaration, Valon is about to experience the power of 'Ultimate Conductor Tyranno''s effect.
But unfortunately, Valon had Set three cards in his Spell/Trap Zone. How could he not Set cards to defend against destruction effects?
"Although I put it in my Deck to defend against Miss Mai's 'Harpie's Feather Duster', using it on you isn't wasted either. I Activate the Counter Trap 'Dark Bribe'!"
Valon pressed the Activate Set Card button on his Duel Disk. Under their gaze, a hand actually reached out from the 'Mystical Space Typhoon' moving towards 'Gravity Bind', catching the bribe offered by 'Dark Bribe'. It even weighed it slightly, looking quite satisfied.
"'Dark Bribe''s effect is to negate and destroy the Spell/Trap Card Activated by the Opponent, then the Opponent draws a card," Valon said, not taking the previous scene to heart. "If your 'Mystical Space Typhoon' is negated, 'Gravity Bind' will continue to exist on my Field, shackling all monsters on the Field and depriving your two High-Level monsters of their attack capability."
The whirlwind dissipated, and the green net still covered the entire field. Rex really wanted to play another card to counterattack, but unfortunately, he truly had no cards he could use. He could only Draw a card from his Deck, thus interrupting 'Ultimate Conductor Tyranno''s attack.
However, the monsters on his field weren't just 'Ultimate Conductor Tyranno' and 'Super Conductor Tyranno'.
"In that case, I Attack the 'Jurra Egg Token' with 'Soul-Eating Oviraptor'! Soul-Eating Claw!"
Compared to the momentum of 'Ultimate Conductor Tyranno''s decisive blow just now, 'Soul-Eating Oviraptor''s attack seemed more like Rex venting his frustration. And because the 'Jurra Egg Token' was in Defense Position, this level of damage was only like a fan blowing air to Valon, not shaking his Life Points by even a single point.
However, ending the Battle Phase didn't mean Rex was done with his offensive.
"'Gravity Bind' only restricts my monsters' attacks. It doesn't have any restriction on the activation of effects. Therefore, in my Main Phase 2, I Activate the effect of 'Super Conductor Tyranno' on my field!" Rex said, suddenly turning his head away, not looking at 'Ultimate Conductor Tyranno' who had suddenly turned back, sensing something bad. "I Tribute one monster on my field to inflict 1000 points of Damage to the Opponent!"
"Go, 'Ultimate Conductor Tyranno'. Uh, this is a necessary sacrifice, yes!"
End of Chapter
Chapter 575: A Man's Combat (Part 4)
What does "making the best use of something" mean?
Making the best use of something means fully utilizing the value of an item, just like drinking a bottle of water completely without wasting any, or finishing all the food in your bowl. It's a praiseworthy behavior.
Therefore, since Rex couldn't destroy the `Gravity Bind` that was restricting his `Super Conductor Tyranno` and `Ultimate Conductor Tyranno` on the Field, it was perfectly reasonable to Tribute `Ultimate Conductor Tyranno` to inflict damage on Valon, so as not to waste its power.
Hmm, Rex had completely convinced himself.
[Valon: 4000→3000 LP]
Under `Super Conductor Tyranno`'s effect, `Ultimate Conductor Tyranno` was Tributed and transformed into a beam of lightning that struck Valon, finally decreasing his Life Points by 1000 points.
However, what was rather unfair was that this Duel wasn't a Dark Game yet. Although Valon's Armor Deck had the rather underhanded ability to damage the opponent's vitality, Rex couldn't benefit from this characteristic when attacking Valon. Thus, after taking 1000 points of effect damage, Valon merely felt nothing.
Just as Valon was about to complain, "Do you guys really like Tributing your own monsters that much?", he heard Rex, after sending `Ultimate Conductor Tyranno`'s card to the Graveyard, declare again: "It's not over yet! I'll continue to activate the effect of `Soul-Eating Oviraptor` on my Field!"
"You can activate this effect by targeting one Level 4 or lower Dinosaur-Type monster on the Field, except this card. Destroy that monster. Then, Special Summon one Dinosaur-Type monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position." Rex pointed towards the remaining `Jurra Egg Token` on Valon's Field. "What I'm going to destroy is the `Jurra Egg Token` on your Field."
"If you destroy the last Token on my Field, the restriction preventing me from targeting monsters on the Field other than Tokens with effects will be lifted. No, I bet you're going to activate `Lost World`'s effect again, right?"
`Lost World` has an ability that can be used once per turn when a Normal Monster is destroyed, allowing you to destroy a Dinosaur-Type monster from your Hand or Deck as a substitute. Rex had already used it once before when facing `Big Bang Knuckle Armor`'s Field-clearing effect, so Valon naturally wouldn't forget its effect so quickly.
Rex nodded. "That's right, `Lost World`'s effect activates. I'll destroy `Baby Pteranodon` from my Deck as a substitute."
The soul fire in `Soul-Eating Oviraptor`'s hand flickered, and a ball of fire flew out towards the `Jurra Egg Token` on Valon's Field. But immediately after, a figure also flew out from Rex's Deck, blocking the `Jurra Egg Token`.
It was a `Baby Pteranodon` whose name and art style were similar to `Babycerasaurus`, and whose ATK and DEF were exactly the same. It had a small piece of eggshell on its head.
However, this baby Dinosaur that was supposed to soar through the skies in the future no longer had the chance. In an instant, it was consumed by `Soul-Eating Oviraptor`'s flames. And from the firelight, the `Babycerasaurus` that had appeared before jumped out.
This was the destroyed `Babycerasaurus` that Rex revived from his Graveyard. However, Valon didn't think that the `Baby Pteranodon` Rex specifically chose wouldn't have an effect that could be resolved.
As expected, Rex searched another card from his Deck. "When `Baby Pteranodon` is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, I activate its effect. I Special Summon one Level 4 or higher Dinosaur-Type monster from my Deck. The monster Special Summoned by this effect cannot attack this turn, but since my Battle Phase is already over, it doesn't matter."
"I Special Summon a second `Super Conductor Tyranno` from my Deck! Then, I activate its effect again! I Tribute `Soul-Eating Oviraptor` on my Field to inflict a second 1000 points of damage!"
The giant Dinosaur, covered in signs of modification, spat out lightning, sending the mischievous `Soul-Eating Oviraptor` directly to the Graveyard. The lightning rushed towards Valon again, shaving off another 1000 Life Points.
[Valon: 3000→2000 LP]
Even after losing 2000 Life Points, Valon still maintained a relaxed posture. Looking at the second `Super Conductor Tyranno` that appeared on Rex's Field, he clapped and praised, "Amazing adaptability! You thought of a method to break free the moment your attack was sealed?"
"`Super Conductor Tyranno` is only restricted by `Gravity Bind` in its ability to attack. Its inherent great power and effect can still be used." Rex looked at Valon and said in a deep voice, "Once per turn, I can Tribute one monster to inflict 1000 points of damage. This effect can be activated twice more during my turn."
"By Tributing both `Super Conductor Tyranno` on my Field, I can clear your Life Points even without attacking. Now, it's your turn to think about how to destroy the monsters on my Field."
Glancing at the remaining `Miracle Dig` in his Hand, Rex employed the bluff strategy of Setting Polymerization he learned from someone. He Set this Normal Spell Card, which couldn't be used during the opponent's turn. "I Set one card. My turn ends."
"Next turn, I will end this Duel!"
[Rex: 1000 LP, Hand 0]
[Super Conductor Tyranno] [ATK 3300]
[Super Conductor Tyranno] [ATK 3300]
[Set Card] [Set Card (Miracle Dig)]
Field: [Lost World]
Even though his attack was restricted by the shameless `Gravity Bind` card, Rex proved himself worthy of becoming one of the top figures among professional Duelists. He quickly transformed his aggro strategy Dinosaurs into burn strategy Dinosaurs developed to counter certain stall Decks, transferring the pressure onto Valon.
If Valon couldn't deal with the `Super Conductor Tyranno` on Rex's Field this turn, next turn he would face another 2000 points of effect damage that couldn't be blocked by Summoning monsters. But how easy was it to defeat a `Super Conductor Tyranno` with an ATK 300 points higher than `Blue-Eyes White Dragon` on a Field that was empty except for one `Jurra Egg Token`?
Especially since Rex's `Lost World` granted his Dinosaurs the noble 'cannot be targeted' resistance.
He can't win. How can he fight this?
"My turn, draw a card." It was Valon's turn. He drew a card and showed a cold smile.
"What a pity, Rex. I didn't expect the Duel to end so quickly, just as you said. However, it won't end on your next turn, but on my turn!" Valon said, showing the card in his Hand. "The Armor Deck is good at charging forward with attacks! This is the strongest card I have to clear obstructions!"
"I've endured this Duel long enough. After I deal with you, I'm going back for a good rest. Right now, I've reached my limit! I'm playing this!"
"Magic Card, `Dark Hole`! Destroy all monsters on both players' Fields! They cannot be targeted!!"
As Valon activated the card he drew, a distorted singularity appeared on his Field. Its pitch-black color should have been inconspicuous, but the portal that manifested at that moment forcefully pulled everything towards it with its immense quality.
"My monsters!"
Rex was powerless to stop `Dark Hole` from taking effect. He could only watch as his two `Super Conductor Tyranno` on the Field were absorbed into the `Dark Hole` and crushed!
Once the distortion subsided, Valon's voice entered Rex's ears. "Looks like I easily broke your combo, 'Dinosaur' Rex."
"`Dark Hole` destroys all monsters on the Field, and they cannot be targeted. That includes the `Jurra Egg Token` you Special Summoned onto my Field. But you'll activate `Lost World`'s effect for it, right?"
"Ah, I'll use `Baby Pteranodon` from my Deck to substitute for the `Jurra Egg Token`'s destruction." Rex raised his head to look at Valon, his eyes still full of fighting spirit, not discouraged by the complete destruction of the monsters on his Field. "And because of `Baby Pteranodon`'s effect, I will Special Summon this monster from my Deck."
"I originally planned to save this for my next Duel against Kujaku Mai, to turn the tables on her. But it seems I have to use it now!"
Seeing Rex search a card from his Deck, Valon suddenly became interested. "A card prepared for Miss Mai? Heh heh, in that case, even I'm starting to get a little excited."
"Hurry up and bring it out! I can't wait to see it!"
Valon treating his monsters like dishes made Rex quite annoyed. "Tsk, then let me show you the Dinosaur Warriors filled with fighting spirit! Bodies evolved to the limit and techniques honed to the peak! Come forth, King of Combat!"
"`Dinowrestler Pankratops`!"
The destroyed `Baby Pteranodon` that was substituted for radiated the light of evolution, its body rapidly growing larger. When the radiance faded, a gray-skinned Triceratops stood upright, wearing green boxer-style clothing. It struck a wrestler's pose. From its exaggerated muscles, it was clear that an ordinary person absolutely couldn't withstand one of its punches.
[`Dinowrestler Pankratops`] [Level 7/EARTH]
[Dinosaur-Type/Effect]
[2600/0]
"Dinosaur? Wrestler? Which genius came up with this perfect combination?" Valon's mouth still held a dismissive attitude, but from his suddenly straightened figure, it was clear that Valon had become much more serious because of `Dinowrestler Pankratops`'s appearance.
Just looking at the stats, Valon could only tell that this monster in front of him likely had a charging combat style. Its ATK was 2600, but its DEF was surprisingly 0. A Level 7 monster couldn't possibly only have this much power. So, the confidence Rex had in considering this monster his hidden card must lie in the effect this monster hadn't shown yet.
As Valon thought, he saw the second `Jurra Egg Token` appear on his Field due to `Lost World`'s effect, and he frowned.
As Valon said before, his Armor Deck consisted of low-Level monsters that weren't affected by `Gravity Bind`. However, the relative drawback was that he didn't have a boss monster strong enough for field suppression, requiring all his monsters to cooperate in battle.
In that case, he had a great need for his Monster Zones on the Field. But now, because of Rex's `Lost World`, two Zones on his Field were already occupied, meaning he could only Summon a maximum of three Armor monsters onto the Field.
Although `Jurra Egg Token` didn't have restrictions like "cannot be used for Tribute Summon" and could be Tributed freely, Valon's Deck simply didn't have any higher-Level monsters.
However, it wasn't really a significant influence, because Valon had been confident of achieving victory within this turn from the start, and that was still the case even after Rex repeatedly showed his great strength.
"Activate the Magic Card, `Inheritance of Power`! I send the `Jurra Egg Token` on my Field to the Graveyard to increase the ATK of another `Jurra Egg Token`. However, since they are both Tokens with 0 ATK, nothing is increased."
Activating a card from his Hand, Valon said helplessly. This `Inheritance of Power` card was one he had drawn last turn. Using it to deal with a Token was indeed like using a cannon to shoot a fly, but there was no other way. This was paving the way for the card he was about to activate.
"Next, I will activate this card, Magic Card `Phoenix Gravity`! Like `Armor Gravitation` before, this is a card specifically for Armor monsters to perform mass Special Summons." Valon explained as he inserted the card into the Spell & Trap Zone of his Duel Disk, a confident smile on his face.
"However, unlike `Armor Gravitation` which Special Summons from the Deck, `Phoenix Gravity` is the undying fire that rises from the Graveyard." Looking at the vigorous flames on the `Phoenix Gravity` manifesting on his Field, Valon couldn't help but recall the great fire that had engulfed the Church he lived in at that time, and those who were sacrificed in the great fire...
Shaking his head to refocus on the Duel, Valon took out four cards from his Graveyard. "Because of `Phoenix Gravity`'s effect, I Special Summon the four Armor monsters from before from my Graveyard! They will also be destroyed again during the End Phase!"
"However, there won't be an End Phase anymore! Come forth, Big Bang Shot, Overboost, Active Guard, Trap Burst!"
"Hen~Shin!"
Valon, whose Hand was now empty, suddenly raised his arm and struck an impressive transformation pose. The symbol of a soaring phoenix appeared behind him. The Armor monsters that were sent to the Graveyard before reappeared on his Field one by one and equipped onto Valon's body!
For a moment, Rex had the illusion that the Valon in front of him had actually run over from the set of 'Saint Seiya' next door.
"Entering my Battle Phase! Here I come, 'Dinosaur' Rex! The `Dinowrestler Pankratops` you Summoned with 2600 ATK will be the final puzzle piece to crush you!" Valon raised the `Big Bang Knuckle Armor` on his right arm. "You haven't forgotten the power of my `Big Bang Knuckle Armor`, have you? Don't blink! This is the last monster you'll see!"
"Tak!"
With a loud shout, Valon charged towards the `Dinowrestler Pankratops` on Rex's Field and swung his iron fist!